Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 10
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi and the Lord’s Unlimited Incarnations
त्वां सेवतां सुरकृता बहवोऽन्तराया: स्वौको विलङ्घ्य परमं व्रजतां पदं ते । नान्यस्य बर्हिषि बलीन् ददत: स्वभागान् धत्ते पदं त्वमविता यदि विघ्नमूर्ध्नि ॥ १० ॥
tvāṁ sevatāṁ sura-kṛtā bahavo ’ntarāyāḥ svauko vilaṅghya paramaṁ vrajatāṁ padaṁ te nānyasya barhiṣi balīn dadataḥ sva-bhāgān dhatte padaṁ tvam avitā yadi vighna-mūrdhni
Die Devas legen vielen Hindernisse auf den Weg derer, die Dich verehren, um die vergänglichen Wohnstätten der Devas zu überschreiten und Deine höchste Stätte zu erreichen. Wer den Devas im Opfer ihre Anteile darbringt, begegnet solchen Hindernissen nicht. Doch weil Du der unmittelbare Beschützer Deines Geweihten bist, kann er jedes Hindernis überwinden, als träte er ihm auf den Kopf.
The demigods, headed by Kāmadeva, or Cupid, recognizing their offense at the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead, Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi, here point out the insignificant position of the demigods in relation to the Supreme Lord. Just as a farmer must pay a specific percentage of his agricultural profit to the king or political head as tax money, all human beings must offer a percentage of their material wealth to the demigods in sacrifice. In Bhagavad-gītā, however, the Lord explains that the demigods are also His servants and it is He Himself who awards all benedictions, through the agency of the demigods. Mayaiva vihitān hi tān. Although a Vaiṣṇava, or devotee of the Lord, has no need to worship the demigods, the demigods, being proud of their exalted material position, sometimes resent the exclusive devotion of the Vaiṣṇava to the Lord and thus try to cause the devotee to fall down, as described in this verse ( sura-kṛtā bahavo ’ntarāyāḥ ). But the demigods here point out that Kṛṣṇa is directly the protector of His devotees. Therefore, so-called impediments become stimuli for further spiritual advancement for a sincere devotee.
FAQs
This verse says that even advanced worshipers can face many impediments, sometimes caused by devas, and that only the Lord’s protection enables one to overcome them.
While instructing Nimi about devotion to the Supreme Lord, Drumiḷa highlights that ritual merit or even deva-favor is insufficient—progress to the Lord’s supreme abode depends on Hari’s grace and protection.
When spiritual practice meets setbacks, focus on steady devotion and prayer for the Lord’s shelter rather than relying only on external supports, status, or ritual performance.